Roped climbing up an artificial rock wall tower is a popular form of indoor climbing. In general, top rope climbing involves ropes, safety equipment and two people; the climber and a belayer, who manages the rope and provides safety for the climber, so, there is always someone supporting you!  Climbing gives climbers the opportunity to practice climbing skills in an accessible environment where some of the risks and/or costs associated with outdoor climbing can be minimized. Rec Sports recognizes the importance of everyone’s safety; therefore, we ensure our Outdoor Adventure staff provide proper training in belaying techniques and proper procedures to ensure an enjoyable climbing experience!

Lastly, our Outdoor Adventures staff have Route Setters who change out the routes and set new ones each week, so there is always a fresh new route to try! 

If you are wanting to learn more about getting started in your climbing journey visit our Rec Sports website to get started!

Bouldering is much like top rope climbing, except it involves climbing up a shorter wall without the use of ropes. It’s the climber, chalk, climbing shoes, and a padded mat underneath you! It sounds scary, but bouldering walls are low to the ground and are meant for climbers to either climb back down to the ground or jump down. The falls associated with bouldering can be equivalent to falls many kids experience on a typical playground structure. Bouldering is meant to give the climber a full-body workout that combines the use of balance, technique, and your brain.

Much like our rock wall tower, bouldering routes are changed to accommodate all climbers with different skill levels. Our Outdoor Adventures Route Setters set new boulder problems (or routes) at each facility at least once a semester. If you visit either of the bouldering walls, located in both the Student Rec Center and Southside Rec Center, the route difficulty levels are clearly labeled by the color of the hold.

No equipment is needed to climb our bouldering walls, other than wearing closed-toed shoes and watching the required safety video. However, if you are interested in participating in the sport more frequently, climbing shoes and chalk can assist in giving you a more comfortable experience.

If you are wanting to learn more about climbing, bouldering, or interested in other Outdoor Adventure activities, visit our Rec Sports website to learn more.